The Germans, Muncer and Hoffmann, had been succeeded, as chief prophets, by a Dutch baker, named Matthiszoon, of Harlem; who announced himself as Enoch.

Chief of this man's disciples was the notorious John Boccold, of Leyden.

Under the government of this prophet, the anabaptists mastered the city of Munster.

Here they confiscated property, plundered churches, violated females, murdered men who refused to join the gang, and, in briefs practised all the enormities which humanity alone can conceive or perpetrate.

The prophet proclaimed himself King of Sion, and sent out apostles to preach his doctrines in Germany and the Netherlands.